I had no money to eat at times: Manoj Bajpayee

... Says actor Manoj Bajpayee about his journey as an actor.There was a time when he'd do a role for a few thousand bucks, he recalls

Since your first movie, you've been tagged a serious actor. How do you react to that?
It really irks me. I take my roles very seriously and I do different kinds of roles, which my directors feel that only I am cut out to do. I don't know how you define serious roles. My character of Bhiku Mhatre was not serious. He evoked laughter. My character in "Zubeida" was not serious. He evoked romance. "Road" evoked suspicion. Yes, I haven't been part of a slapstick film, but that doesn't make me a serious actor. At times, I take it as a compliment. One of my director friends said that this serious actor tag is great because you are the best actor in the country. I would like to grab it with both hands.

But you cannot deny that your roles are not the conventional hero types...
I have done hero roles, but those roles were full of substance, like the ones in "Shool", "Pinjar", or "Zubeida". I never wanted to do the commercial hero roles because I was never convinced with those. After "Satya" I was offered such roles, but I refused them.

But people do those roles...
They do it because they are convinced about it. I was trained to become an actor; I am one today.

So you prefer being an actor and not a star?
My choice was to become a credible actor in this country, and God has gifted me that space.

The actor was recognised around the time "Tamanna" released. Before that, were there any moments of doubt?
I have been working now for 18 years, since 1993. You start questioning yourself and your abilities when you don't get work. So the time of struggle is very difficult, not just for me but for any actor, or any person who becomes a hero. For anybody, it's during the trying time that you need to keep your calm. That is the time when trouble hits you badly and it shakes your confidence. At times, I had my doubts about whether I could be a good actor, since people didn't seem convinced with what I thought I could do.

So at that time, did you consider doing roles that you were not convinced about?
Yes. I had to do a few TV series... just 3-4 episodes for just a thousand bucks per episode, since I didn't have money to eat and those were very bad times. Those moments are unnerving since you are compromising your beliefs for your needs, and hunger was my need at that time.

Did your dreams change at that time?
I thought I'd just manage my bread and butter. I knew I wanted to be a very big actor, but my initial days in Mumbai were not very inspiring and they put doubts in my mind. I did meagre roles so that I could manage my bread and butter. And that's how far I could think. And whenever I looked in the mirror, I thought this is not a face they would welcome in the industry. I was a very practical person. I never had any big ideas about myself. So, I never trained myself to be a hero. And since I've done hardcore theatre, I could never convince myself that I should be singing songs or doing things that I didn't believe in. That requires a very different journey. My journey has not been like that.

When did those trying times end?
After the "Swabhiman" series. It started giving me `2,000 per episode. You could find some money all the time in my wallet. That kind of eased me out a little bit.

So, what kind of needs do you compromise on now?
Needs have no end, and you can't make compromises for them now. But I try to consciously cut down on many things. Like just now, when you came, I was given a Mercedes to move around. I didn't want it. I wanted a simple car. So, consciously you try to cut down by not getting tempted by it.

You don't feel comfortable with status symbols?
I feel comfortable, definitely, but I think Mr Amitabh Bachchan will be more comfortable in a Mercedes than Manoj Bajpayee. Because he has the status of being a very big star. He can afford a Mercedes and I can afford a lesser car than that.

Is there reservation in Bollywood?
Mr Bachchan is from Allahabad and he is the superstar of all superstars. Prakash Jha is from Bihar, I am from Bihar and all of us have work and all of us are fairly well settled.

What are your views on reservation?
You can't have views on reservation. It is a constitutional truth today. The policy is fantastic and is for the upliftment of people who are socially and economically deprived. And they (the government) keep working on this policy all the time. And now, I think they have taken out the creamy layer and that was needed - people who have already benefitted shouldn't be included in this.

Is there reservation in any field that you don't agree with?
There shouldn't be any reservation at the National School of Drama. I was rejected four times by NSD. I wouldn't say it was because of reservation or any kind of quota system. You have talent coming from all over the country and they can't accommodate all of them, so I have a simpler solution - they should have 6-7 NSDs in the country.

Is it difficult to break into Bollywood when you are from a place like Bihar?
Not really. I used to be frustrated about it in my struggling days. When you start looking at the other point of view, you start calming down. How will a director gauge a person's ability by just looking at him? Or just by taking an audition? It's very difficult, but it is all the more important for newcomers to keep working. You never know what will get you the big job. My great moment was when Mahesh Bhatt found me from a series called "Swabhiman". He realised that I was capable of big things and he gave me a role in "Tamanna". And then Ram Gopal Varma saw me in "Tamanna" and "Bandit Queen" and he thought I was capable of being Bhiku Mhatre. That's how I got roles. My advice to all newcomers - keep doing as much as possible.

Who gave you that advice?
My circumstances were my teachers. I was alone, fighting my own battles, and there were a couple of friends of mine, who were also newcomers and we were supporting each other. It's a very lonely city when you don't have a job.

So does a struggler need a mentor?
No, you need someone who believes in you. When you get that person, it is such a relief. The stay in Bombay becomes very, very easy... Oh... the stay in Mumbai.

Anushka and I have drifted apart: Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh talks about Anushka Sharma, Sonakshi Sinha, love and more...

For the last time, are you dating Anushka?
We are two young, attractive people. When people saw us going out and sharing wonderful chemistry, they speculated. The truth is, Anushka is a very good friend. We have drifted apart now unfortunately.

So you were not in love?
I was very attracted to her. I don't know if I've ever been in love. I don't know what love means. I have felt strong and deep emotions for people who are not related to me by blood. I don't know if that's love but yes, I've felt attraction and affection for Anushka.

Did you and Anushka split because she wanted to concentrate on her career?
No. We have drifted because we don't get to see each other as much as we used to. I think circumstances drove us apart. We worked together continuously for a year in Band Bajaa Baraat and saw each other everyday. Over a period of time we made common friends and hung out together going for dinners and movies. Now that our work is over, Anushka has forged her own path and signed on lots of movies. Now we don't meet each other at all.

Are you closer to Sonakshi now?
I do find Sonakshi very attractive, but we are not dating. I have met her many times and we share a healthy friendship. Right now I am single. I wouldn't mind if love comes along, but for the moment it's work over love.

Is Sonakshi a better friend or Anushka?
Anushka! I am much closer to her. We became very close over a period of time. I could talk to her about everything, because she went through the same process I was going through as a newcomer. We connected at that level.

Do you miss Anushka?
Yes, I miss her a lot. Anushka is the kind of girl you'll always miss, especially if she's been a part of your life and then suddenly isn't. You feel a void...

Are you a romantic person?
Yes. I am passionate, romantic and impulsive. For me, romance is when I go out of my comfort zone for someone and do anything for them. I have a few criteria I want in a girlfriend... good diction, personal hygiene and aesthetics. Her dressing sense and grooming should be nice and she should have radiant skin.

I've punched a fan in the face: Kajol

Fiery, feisty Kajol. A brand by herself. A firebrand. Yet one of the best ever.

Here she confesses how she pinched a kid, punched a fan in the face, whistled during Singham - and was, well, essentially Kajol. All day long, on zoOm Superstar Weekends. Keep watching...

Looking good after baby no. 2. How was motherhood this time around?
Oh, completely different actually. I met a lot more people than I did the last time. The last time, I just locked myself at home and didn't meet too many people. But this time, I was working till I was six months pregnant and I then got back to work two-three months after Yug was born. I've really been out and about this pregnancy!

Recently, Ajay advised Kareena and Saif to not get married in an interview! Your comment?
I take it as advice that he has given, not something that he's practising, thank God. Haha!

Did you enjoy Singham?
OMG! I loved it! I screamed, I shouted, I ceetee maroed and everything... I had a blast. And mind you, I didn't watch it at a single screen. I watched it at a special screening and we went in looking all classy. Five minutes into the movie, everybody was screaming, clapping and whistling! It was fabulous.

Was it you who gave Ajay the Marathi tips?
Not really, but I've been training him for the past 15 years (laughs); so something should rub off na?

Are you working on your personal website? What will it have?
I don't have the time or the energy to join 100 different networking sites, so an official website would be one way of talking to my fans. Basically to voice something; or put yourself up as how you see yourself rather than what everybody else sees you as.

And what do you see yourself as?
I see myself as a good person most of the times, a bitch sometimes (laughs); but I like myself as a person. I respect myself. It's a little bit of everything.

You use that B-word for yourself. I doubt you can really be that, do you?
Not really, but there is a little streak of meanness in me that I think is there in most people, which they deny. I am mean, I'm nasty at times. I don't feel like talking to people at times. When I am in a bad mood and have had a really awful day, don't come in my face because I am not tolerant and I am not a goddess, I can't handle it after a point. I am going to get up and I am going to scream and I am going to say bad things to you.

What's the meanest thing you've done?
I've punched a fan in the face because he was obnoxious. I've also pinched a child and made him cry, but I was 10 then!

Seven Sins Check

Are you guilty of Lust?
I hope so, I have two children. I sure as hell hope so (laughs)!

Gluttony. One food item that you cant resist.
There is no one thing. Especially when you are on a diet. Ooof!

Greed. Have you ever done a role for money?
No, I haven't.

Anger. One person who has angered you the most.
I have a lot of road rage. Mostly with the rickshaw and cab drivers trying to cut me, it's the traffic. Grrrr!

Envy?
I don't envy anybody, touch wood.

Pride. Do you think pride is a sin?
No not at all. It's a trait that should be put into people. Most of the population in our country don't have enough of it.

Sloth: Are you guilty of it?
I'd love sloth. I wish sloth would come home and visit me once in a while. I don't consider laziness a sin at all.

Kangna Ranaut's a bikini babe now!

Kangna Ranaut has donned a bikini in Rascals for the first time. The actress speaks about joining the league of Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor in the hotness stakes.

Was it daunting wearing a bikini for a film?
I'm a city girl now, so it wasn't a shocking concept for me. I might wear a bikini if I go for a swim, but it does feel odd wearing close to nothing on a shoot - that too with the whole unit around, fully clothed! It makes you conscious.

What convinced you?
David (Dhawan) sir said he'd like me to wear one for the scene. He didn't say it was compulsory, but with almost every actress donning one, it becomes almost essential in a film like Rascals. I'm not known for my item numbers or bikini scenes, so I took it up as a challenge. I didn't want to be known as someone who can't do it.

Did you work out for it?
David sir was very clear that he did not want me to get super lean and lose all my curves. He specifically told me he wanted me to look like a woman and not like a little boy! Kalpesh, who's been my trainer for a few years now, stopped cardio for me totally. I was doing some weights but mostly freehand exercises to enhance my curves and look feminine and sexy. For a week before the shoot, I avoided eating fried or sweet stuff.

Katrina Kaif will be a friend always: Salman Khan

Salman Khan shows his uber cool side - of the superstar and superman he is...

Salman, seems like the best phase of your life. Wanted, Dabangg, Ready and now Bodyguard up for release - getting better and bigger?
I think I'm getting luckier. It's just that these films had great scripts, with a lot entertainment. Also, everybody doing their jobs to the fullest have made these films actually happen.

You've made Eid day your own.
No, not true. If somebody else had decided this date beforehand, we wouldn't have come on Eid. We would've come slightly ahead. Two big films releasing is bad for the industry so you should have a two-three weeks gap between each movie.

Sonakshi and Asin, two actresses suddenly in the top bracket, have been supported greatly by you...
No, that's not true. They're very talented and that's why they are where they are. Sonakshi was outstanding in her first film. And as far as talent is concerned, it's something that you have or you don't have. So basically the need was ours, mine, to cast Sonakshi in Dabangg or Asin in Ready.

You're doing a movie with Katrina so how's the equation between you two?
We are still really good friends. Always have been, always will be and that's the reason I am doing Ek Tha Tiger. If I'd refused the film or she'd refused the film then that would have been a problem.

Recently, you had an argument with Sanjay Dutt at his party?
Ya, there was apparently a fight between Sanju and me which was never a fight. Sanju and I are like brothers and we both got to know of this in the morning. The next day we shot for Big Boss.

You once said that you are a very difficult person to be in a relationship with. True?
Ya I am. I wake up early in the morning and sleep late at night. I don't go out for dinners that much. No flowers, chocolates, cards - I can't get myself to do those things, so I guess I'm difficult.

A man in your position and with your looks can date any girl in the world? Suppose you could, who would you date?
Right now, you have no idea how much I am trying. Won't tell you for whom, but no luck. Seriously.

Raju Hirani is Director No 1: Rohit Shetty

While any director in B-Town would give his right arm to get a hat-trick of hit films, Rohit Shetty has already delivered five back-to-back hits with Golmaal, Golmaal 2, Golmaal Returns, All The Best and now Singham.

Two of his films have grossed over Rs 100 crores - a distinction few directors can boast of. Anybody else would've hosted a huge success bash to celebrate by now, but Rohit is quietly working on his next film instead. He talks to BT about being a workaholic and the secret behind his super success.

How would you react to being called the No 1 Director today?
I would say, 'No thanks'. I think Raju Hirani is Director No 1.

But you're the only director to have five consecutive hits!
I guess it's not sunk in. I've been working continuously. Barely has Singham released that I am already in Jaipur shooting for my next film. People are saying I've achieved a lot already, but I think it's better to keep on working and let your work speak for itself.

What's the secret behind your success?
Firstly, the film has to be entertaining. Secondly, you should be fearless. If you are making a hardcore commercial film, go all out; don't try to balance it for the critics or a niche audience. I make films for the masses and multiplex audience. Lastly, I treat cinema like a product that I present to the customer (the audience).

You must now be offered huge money post Singham....
A big producer recently sent me a blank cheque. I returned it. I don't work like that.

What keeps you grounded?
I haven't created a bubble where only few people have direct access to me. I talk to my spotboys as much as I talk to my actors. I hate it when people call a film "massy" and say it is only for rickshaw-walas and paanwalas. They are human beings, too, and constitute the majority of the single screen audience. No film will do business over Rs 100 crores if it doesn't do well in single screens. Films have to be made for pan-India and not only for the Marine Drive-to-Bandra stretch.

Apart from films, what gives you a high?
To see pride and happiness on my mother's face. She is happy today because there's no stress or financial problems. There was a time we didn't have a house to live in or even Rs 100 in our pockets.

I am Katrina’s bodyguard: Salman Khan

Katrina Kaif readily agreed to shake a leg for Bodyguard’s title number, and didn’t even ask for a fee. Not surprisingly, her ‘friend’ Salman Khan also refers to her as part of his family. With this item number, the rumoured ex couple are back on screen together after Yuvvraj (2008), and rumours
about their reunion are running strong again.

Ask Salman about it and he shoots back, “What’s there to react? Katrina and I are also doing Ek Tha Tiger together. Likhne waale likhenge jo unka man karega (those who have to write will write whatever they want); they have time to write such things. Why should I waste my energy on it? We would rather work harder on our films.”

A few days back, a tabloid quoted Katrina as saying thus: ‘I can’t deny my equation with him (Salman) has changed.’ But Salman isn’t amused. “What equation? I really don’t know what she said. As far as I am concerned, our equation is absolutely the same as earlier,” says the Dabangg (2010) star.

But doesn’t Salman feel such reports stem from the fact that they were in a relationship earlier? “Did I say so? Or did she say so?” he questions. “We’ve always maintained that we’re good friends and get along absolutely fine.”

And even as they shoot for Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger, Kat has stated that she’s comfortable working with him. “Yes, she is very comfortable with me and my entire family. In fact, she is a part of the family. We have known her for the longest time now,” says Salman, adding further in jest, “Like in the movie, I play Kareena’s character’s bodyguard, like that I am Katrina’s bodyguard.”

Speaking of Bodyguard, Salman claims he was always aware of its potential. In fact, when the film was being made in Malayalam, he heard the script and thought of picking it up. “I haven’t seen the Malayalam version. Atul (Agnihotri) watched it, but even before he saw it, I had told him, ‘It has an amazing plot. Pick it up. Picture hit ho, flop ho (whether the film is a hit or flop), get the story,’” he says. Considering Salman has done high-flying action in all his films, including Wanted (2009), Dabangg and Ready, is it all physically demanding for him? “The most difficult one in terms of physical strain has been Veer (2010). But so far, I am capable of doing them (stunts) physically and am getting away with it,” he says, adding, “And I say it because I’ve done all the stunts myself in my movies. So I have been extremely lucky to do all the stunts safely and without any injury.”
Excerpts from interview:
After Wanted (2009) and Dabangg (2010), will Bodyguard be your third consecutive Eid blockbuster?
Let the Friday, the film releases decide that. Everyone wants to make a film that will surpass their last films. I’m no different. And today, we have the technical know-how to up the standards but we still haven’t discovered a hit formula. So, all you can do is make a good, sensible, emotional film and leave it at that.
But the expectations from ‘Brand Salman’ have risen?
Expectations are high because people have watched my last few films. But it’s true in other cases too. For example, you always expect a little more from your girlfriend and vice versa (smiles).
Your last two films with Kareena Kapoor, Kyun Ki! (2005)  and Main Aur Mrs Khanna (2009) didn’t work. Will this one break the jinx?
In our film industry, certain people dismiss an on-screen pairing as panvati (jinxed) if their last few films haven’t worked at the Box Office. But I believe that if a heroine is perfectly suited for a particular role, why shouldn’t I get her? In Wanted, we cast Ayesha Takia in the lead because she fit the part. And the film was a superhit!
Is Katrina Kaif doing a cameo in Bodyguard or a special appearance in the title track?
I start out as her bodyguard so she appears in the title song, Aaya Re Aaya… to establish the fact. Later, of course, I become Kareena’s bodyguard.
Is Bodyguard a special film for you since your sister Alvira is co-producing it with husband Atul Agnihotri?
It doesn’t matter who is producing the film. A film is a film. People are going to spend money, from Rs 10 to Rs 400, to watch it. So, my responsibility is towards them. Once audiences like the film and they start coming in numbers, my responsibility towards the producer will be automatically fulfilled.
How is Dabangg 2 shaping up? Have you really written parts of the script?
Dabangg 2 is simply an extension of the first film. Chulbul Pandey is an interesting guy so I think we won’t have any problems with the character. In fact, we have finalised and locked the script of the sequel. I haven’t written anything in the script since it’s completely Arbaaz’s (Khan) film. Since Chulbul has shades of gray, it’s easily to meander into different genres — comedy, action and romance. Now that the character of Chulbul is established, we can easily take it to the next level.
We’ve heard that Chulbul is moving to a metro now?
Yes, Chulbul is moving to a bigger city. (Smiles) Now, there’s a lot more jhol in Dabangg 2.
Many feel you seem to be stuck on action films these days?
Nothing like that, every film has action, even Ready. For instance, you can’t call every film a musical just because it has 4-5 songs. In fact, I had to work harder on Ready because the action scenes had to make you laugh.

Have you lost weight for Ek Tha Tiger?
No, it’s just that I was training hard for the climax of Bodyguard and carried the lean look into Ek Tha Tiger. It has been just 25 days since I wrapped up Bodyguard.
You met Somy Ali recently in Bangkok while shooting for Ready?
Sure, I did. She flew down to Bangkok from Hong Kong because she had some work in Hon Kong. What’s the big deal?
Somy has said that Aishwarya Rai was responsible for your split?
(Smiles) Somy said it, so ask her. I don’t know anything.